Does tram operate when it snows?

[unclear]

FYI, I decided to cancel my Saturday trip.

[Feeel]

Thank you for letting me know, Jake.

And Ellen, thanks very much for the skinny. I'll let you know how the wet adventure goes!

Judging by the topography at the top of Skyline, even if the ground is fluffy white and my face is getting pounded by freezing icees, I will hit the tram so long as I traverse north along SJ's eastern slope.

Should be an exciting day!

[KathyW]

Thank you for letting me know, Jake.

And Ellen, thanks very much for the skinny. I'll let you know how the wet adventure goes!

Judging by the topography at the top of Skyline, even if the ground is fluffy white and my face is getting pounded by freezing icees, I will hit the tram so long as I traverse north along SJ's eastern slope.

Should be an exciting day!

You're going up Skyline for the first time with a storm warning in place???

[bluerail]

I've been up there alot in the last 20 months, and in weather ranging from 120 degrees to six feet of snow. believe them when they say it's easy to get off track.

It's nothing to take lightly.

I wouldn't go if this storm comes in, and it would be a good idea to have a gps trac of the trail if it looks like the snow starts falling in the traverse, before you get to 6000'.

[NormaR]

...believe them when they say it's easy to get off track.

It's nothing to take lightly.

I wouldn't go if this storm comes in, and it would be a good idea to have a gps trac of the trail if it looks like the snow starts falling in the traverse, before you get to 6000'.

Ditto!

[Hikin_Jim]

Judging by the topography at the top of Skyline, even if the ground is fluffy white and my face is getting pounded by freezing icees, I will hit the tram so long as I traverse north along SJ's eastern slope.

Do what you feel bro, but be aware that you can't just traverse around there as you please. The terrain is very restrictive. If you get off route, you may or not be able to top out. There are very definitely terrain traps.

We had a very experienced guy go up the wrong chute* last winter. He got to a place where, with near zero visability, he could neither ascend nor descend. Fortunately, like I say, he was experienced and knew the dangers; he brought equipment and was able to dig a platform in the snow and spent the night out in a bivvy.

If you go, just be prepared to overnight.

HJ

*Towards the top, I don't know if the route can properly be compared to a trail even though a trail did exist in the 30's. Basically, you just have to find the right chute to ascend.

[Lcpl Hughes]

I was considering getting in 1 more skyline tomorrow morning to round out my year at 5 times..but, in light of this storm, I think I am cool at 4..probably call in sick to work monday though, I am ready to break out the snowshoes or microspikes, depending on depth of snow, and make a summit run from the tram (#12 for the year)

[Feeel]

Thank you all for your warnings. I understand the risks. I'm prepared for the worst. Climbing is something I absolutely do not take lightly.

What I meant to write was "I will hit the tram so long as I traverse north along [the top of] SJ's eastern slope". If the conditions are such that the top of skyline (not the summit, mind) is impassable, then I will just about-face.

It's nice to see such a thoughtful group of people looking out for a stranger. If anyone else is on the trail, I'll see you tomorrow.

Phil

[Lcpl Hughes]

Thank you all for your warnings. I understand the risks. I'm prepared for the worst. Climbing is something I absolutely do not take lightly.

What I meant to write was "I will hit the tram so long as I traverse north along [the top of] SJ's eastern slope". If the conditions are such that the top of skyline (not the summit, mind) is impassable, then I will just about-face.

It's nice to see such a thoughtful group of people looking out for a stranger. If anyone else is on the trail, I'll see you tomorrow.

Phil

Good luck..I would bring something for your feet..

A great forecast

Saturday: Snow. High near 33. Windy, with a west wind between 35 and 40 mph, with gusts as high as 65 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 4 to 8 inches possible.

Saturday Night: Snow showers, mainly before 10pm. Low around 21. Wind chill values as low as zero. Windy, with a west wind around 40 mph, with gusts as high as 65 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

[Feeel]

Yes, the forecast for the summit is pretty brutal, especially with that west wind whipping across the peak. Hopefully SJs bulk will keep if off the east flank.